This time last week all major surf-able wave pools were open. Then the machines went silent one-by-one. First The Wave Bristol clamped its doors shut, then Far-Far-a-Bay pushed back their scheduled opening indefinitely. Now Urbnsurf in Melbourne has made the call to power down leaving only BSR Surf Resort as the only wave pool left open to the public.

“We have made the difficult decision to close Urbnsurf Melbourne temporarily from 24 March 2020, until initially Friday, 1 May 2020,” Urbnsurf said in a statement. “The Australian and Victorian Governments have recently announced tighter restrictions for non-essential businesses. While we previously put in place a range of measures to ensure guest and crew safety, we now believe it is socially responsible for us to temporarily suspend operations.”

Urbnsurf added that they have not been notified of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the park, and will continue to monitor and follow advice from relevant authorities.

Australia’s first public wave pool said they plan to shut the gates until May 1, 2020, and that re-opening will depend on how the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds.

The Melbourne surf park will keep visitors updated via social media and email blasts as well as posting further information to their website.

One big question for frothing surfers is how previously paid bookings and bulk-buys will be accommodated. Urbnsurf said they have paused the monthly billing cycle as well as taken other measures.

“Your current entitlements will remain valid, and we will extend the duration of your membership for the period of time we’re closed.” Urbnsurf continued. “If you’re booked in for a session or lesson from 24 March onwards, we’ll provide you with a credit for your bookings, to use once we re-open.”